Ceiling mount

ABSTRACT

Described is a ceiling mount (e.g., for a wireless communication device) which may include a first channel member, a second channel member and a ramp. The first channel member may include a first side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a first horizontal surface extending away from the first side surface in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface for a second predetermined distance to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the first horizontal surface and the top surface. The second channel member may include a second side surface extending upward a third predetermined distance from the top surface and a second horizontal surface extending away from the second side surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface and opposite the first direction for a fourth predetermined distance to define a second ceiling member receiving channel between the second horizontal surface and the top surface. The second channel member is separated from the first channel member along the top surface by a fifth predetermined distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. The ramp extends upward from the top surface at an angle and has an inclined surface separated from the second side surface by a distance greater than the fourth predetermined distance and separated from the first channel member by a sixth predetermined distance greater than the fifth predetermined distance.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In a typical wireless networking environment, the range of communication between devices is usually limited to at most several hundred feet. Obstructions and interferences such as walls and unwanted radio waves further diminish that range. As a result, wireless mobile units (“MUs”, e.g., PDAs, bar code readers, laptops, two-way pagers, etc.) must be within predetermined operating distances of communication devices (e.g., access points, routers, repeaters, etc.) before communication with the network may be established.

In order to ensure signal strength wherever the MU may be, businesses employing wireless networks often position communication devices on walls or ceilings throughout the entire desired operating area. Currently, the attachment of communication devices to ceilings is an extremely difficult and time consuming process involving the removal of tiles, the drilling of holes, and the use of equipment such as screwdrivers, screws, mounting clips, nuts, washers and spacers. As the size of a wireless network grows, the costs and time associated with this process increase exponentially.

If a mounted wireless communication device ever needed to be removed, the uninstallation process may be just as problematic. Moreover, unsightly scratches, cuts, holes and other permanent property damage may be left behind where the device once was, adding additional repair or replacement costs. Therefore, there is a great need to expedite and make more cost-efficient the cumbersome installation and uninstallation processes while at the same time avoiding permanent damage to property.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ceiling mount (e.g., for a wireless communication device) which may include a first channel member, a second channel member and a ramp. The first channel member may include a first side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a first horizontal surface extending away from the first side surface in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface for a second predetermined distance to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the first horizontal surface and the top surface.

The second channel member may include a second side surface extending upward a third predetermined distance from the top surface and a second horizontal surface extending away from the second side surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface and opposite the first direction for a fourth predetermined distance to define a second ceiling member receiving channel between the second horizontal surface and the top surface. The second channel member is separated from the first channel member along the top surface by a fifth predetermined distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. The ramp extends upward from the top surface at an angle and has an inclined surface separated from the second side surface by a distance greater than the fourth predetermined distance and separated from the first channel member by a sixth predetermined distance greater than the fifth predetermined distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireless network according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a suspended T-bar ceiling according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device with mounting components integrated into its bottom surface according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device with mounting components integrated into a side surface according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device with mounting components, stabilizing members and a Local Area Network (“LAN”) port integrated into its bottom surface according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device with detachable mounting components according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device positioned for attachment to a T-bar.

FIG. 8 show a top view of an exemplary wireless communication device as it is being mounted to a T-bar.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an exemplary wireless communication device mounted to a T-bar.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an exemplary wireless communication device mounted to a suspended T-bar ceiling.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of an exemplary wireless communication device with stabilizers, mounted to a suspended T-bar ceiling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The present invention relates to a ceiling mount/attachment (e.g., for a wireless communication device) to a suspended T-bar ceiling. No tools or mounting hardware may be required, nor is there a need to drill holes, or otherwise make major alterations to property. The primary components facilitating attachment are either fully integrated into or detachable from the mounting surface. The device according to the present invention is simply rotated and snap-locked onto a suspended T-bar ceiling frame. To uninstall, the user of a wireless device only needs to depress a latch and rotate the device in the opposite direction. No scratches, holes, glue, screws, or other residue of any kind are left behind on the ceiling after the device is removed.

Throughout the description that follows a wireless network access point (“AP”) is utilized as an exemplary device that is to be mounted onto the suspended T-bar ceiling. However, the present invention may be utilized in any type of wireless communication devices (e.g., wireless routers, repeaters, etc.). In addition, the components of the present invention facilitating attachment to the suspended T-bar ceiling may be incorporated into any device that may be mounted onto suspended T-bar ceilings (e.g., a smoke detector, a motion sensor, a security device, etc.).

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a wireless network 100 according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the wireless network 100 may be operating within a Wireless Local Area Network (“WLAN”) 40 in an infrastructure mode. The wireless network 100 may include an AP 10 mounted to a suspended T-bar ceiling 30, a plurality of mobile units (“MU”s) 20, a communications network 50, a server 60, and a client computer 70. Those of skill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may be used with any wireless network and that the wireless network 100 is only exemplary.

The WLAN 40 may use a version of the IEEE 802.11 or a similar protocol. One benefit of using a version of the IEEE 802.11 standard is that existing infrastructures using that standard may be adapted to support the system with minimal modifications. With only a simple software upgrade, most MUs supporting that standard may operate according to the present invention. In other exemplary embodiments, a different wireless protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WPAN, WWAN, infrared, etc.) may be utilized.

Referring back to the wireless network 100, the AP 10 may be, for example, a router, switch or bridge that forms the connection between the WLAN 40 and the communications network 50. Coupled to the WLAN 40 are the MUs 20 and coupled to the communications network 50 are the server 60 and the client computer 70. The communications network 50 can be any network usable to transmit data between the various components of the wireless network 100, such as between microprocessors, and may be, for example, a local area network (“LAN”), a wide are network (“WAN”) or an intranet. The AP 10 does not have to physically be in the vicinity of the server 60 or the client computer 70 so long as it is within range of the MUs 20, as the AP 10 may be remotely located by extending network cabling.

The MUs 20 may be any type of computer or processor based mobile device capable of connecting to a wireless network (e.g., a bar code reader, a PDA, a laptop, a two-way pager, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a mobile optical reader, etc.). Since the MUs 20 are portable, they are sufficiently small to be easily carried. The MUs 20 may be designed for specific purposes, such as reading barcodes, or may be handheld devices with different purposes, to which various functionalities have been added through separate software modules. In one embodiment, the MUs 20 may be based on a multi-purpose personal digital assistant (“PDA”) such as those running the Microsoft Pocket PC 2003 operating system, or similar.

The foregoing embodiments of the wireless network 100 are not to be construed so as to limit the present invention in any way. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, different types of MUs may be used to communicate over the same data network, as long as they work under compatible protocols. Other configurations with different numbers of MUs, APs, or client and server computers may also be used to implement the system.

FIG. 2 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a segment of the suspended T-bar ceiling 30 prior to the attachment of any wireless communication devices. The suspended T-bar ceiling 30 includes a parallel set of evenly spaced T-bars 32 running perpendicular to another parallel set of evenly spaced T-bars 32, forming a square grid across the entire ceiling area upon which the ceiling tiles 34 rest. Horizontal T-bar 32 flanges support the ceiling tiles 34, and are of a predetermined thickness T and a predetermined width W. Each T-bar 32 is affixed at its end opposite the tile flange to the room's permanent ceiling. In order to facilitate the interchangeability of ceiling fixtures (e.g., light fixtures, air conditioning vents, etc.), all suspended T-bar ceiling 30 structural members commercially available today are of a universal size, shape, and spacing. Thus, the present invention allows for the attachment of wireless communication devices to any T-bar 32 of a suspended ceiling 30 without the need to adjust any of the mounting components.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 with mounting components integrated into its bottom surface. The mounting components include a rear clip 110 (e.g., a first channel member), a front clip 120 (e.g., a second channel member) and a latch 130 (e.g., a ramp). In this exemplary embodiment, these mounting components are molded as permanent features of the AP 10 in an injection molded part and may be made of any malleable material (e.g., plastic, sheet metal, etc.). Because the clips 110, 120 and the latch 130 are small relative to the AP 10, the use of the device in other mounting configurations (e.g., desk or wall mounting) are neither inhibited nor enhanced.

The clip 110 includes a first side surface extending upward substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface for a first predetermined distance at least equal to the thickness T of the T-bars 32. The first side surface then bends for a second predetermined distance less than half of the width W toward the opposing clip 120 in a first direction substantially parallel to the mounting surface to form a first horizontal surface. Similarly, the clip 120 includes a second side surface that extends upward substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface for a third predetermined distance at least equal to the thickness T. The second side surface then bends for a fourth predetermined distance less than half the of width W toward the opposing clip 110 in a second direction opposite the first direction and substantially parallel to the mounting surface to form a second horizontal surface. The area between the first and second horizontal surfaces and the mounting surface defines a first and second ceiling member receiving channel, respectively. The clips 110, 120 are positioned opposite one another so that, when the AP 10 is mounted, opposite sides of the T-bar 32 tile flange may be captured in their respective receiving channels. Therefore, the edges of the first and second side surfaces facing the receiving channels are at least a distance W apart. A fifth predetermined distance perpendicular to the first and second directions separate the clips 110, 120.

Depending on its position relative to the clips 110, 120, the latch 130 may be a ramp inclining upward at an angle toward either the front or rear of the AP 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the latch 130 is positioned across from the clip 120 such that the latch 130's side surface facing the second ceiling member receiving channel is aligned with the first side surface of the clip 110. The latch 130 is also offset from the clip 120 such that the distance between the latch 130 and the clip 110 is a sixth predetermined distance greater than the fifth predetermined distance. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the latch 130 may also be positioned at an offset across from the rear clip 110, in which case the latch 130 will incline toward the rear of the AP 10. A spring or similar mechanism allows the latch 130 to return to its normal position after being depressed substantially flush with the mounting surface. When fully depressed (e.g., a first position), the latch 130 is, e.g., less than ten degrees incline from the mounting surface. At its rest position (e.g., a second position), the latch 130 is inclined at an angle, e.g., between ten and ninety degrees.

The clips 110, 120 and the latch 130 may extend from any surface of the AP 10 so long as they may be entirely enclosed on an even plane within that surface, thus making it the mounting surface. FIG. 4 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 with the mounting components integrated into a side surface. In other alternative exemplary embodiments, the mounting components may instead extend from the front or the rear side surfaces.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 with additional stabilizing members 140 and a LAN port 150 integrated into its bottom surface. The stabilizing members 140 extend from the mounting surface to form stabilizing surfaces on a single plane substantially parallel to the mounting surface. As will be apparent from the description that follows, the stabilizing members 140 may be added to prevent the AP 10 from rotating around the T-bar 32 to which it is attached.

The LAN port 150 provides the AP 10 with connectivity to the communications network 50 through, for example, an ethernet cable extending from the LAN port 150 to a network device in the wired environment. Unlike the stabilizing members 140, which protrude from the mounting surface of the AP 10, the LAN port 150 may be integrated into any part of the AP 10 so long as the network wiring does not interfere with the mounting of the device. In this embodiment, the LAN port 150 protrudes from the bottom surface and may serve as an additional stabilizing component.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 with detachable mounting components. The clips 110, 120 and the latch 130 rest on the top surface of a mounting plate 160. The bottom surface of the mounting plate 160 may be attached to a mounting surface of the AP 10 employing compatible attachment mechanisms. In this embodiment, four screws 170 are used to attach the mounting plate 160 to the AP 10. The threaded rods of the screws 170 penetrate the plate 160 into the AP 10 until the screw heads lay below the plate 160's top surface, preventing damage to the suspended ceiling 30 by the screw 170 heads.

In alternative exemplary embodiments, the mounting plate 160 may be attached to the AP 10 via any other attachment mechanism (e.g., glue, velcro, snap-on buttons, latches, etc.). One advantage of using detachable mounting components is that one mounting plate 160 may be interchanged with many suspended T-bar ceiling 30 mountable devices. Moreover, the AP 10 may be detached from the ceiling 30 without the need to uninstall the mounting plate 160. This feature may be useful, for example, if the device needs only to be removed temporarily for servicing or if a different device is desired at the same location.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 positioned for attachment to the T-bar 32. To initiate attachment, the mounting surface of the AP 10 is pushed against the room-side face of the T-bar 32 so that the first and second side surfaces of the clips 110, 120 face opposite sides of the tile flange. This action raises the ceiling tiles 34 to the height of the clips 110, 120 and positions the clips 110, 120 to engage the T-bar 32. To complete the mounting process, the AP 10 is rotated toward the T-bar 32 until the horizontal surfaces of the clips 110, 120 slip over the tile flange and the side surfaces of the clips 110, 120 are aligned with the T-bar 32 flange. As the AP 10 is rotated into its mounted position, the latch 130 is depressed by the room-side face of the T-bar 32. When the rotating motion is stopped by the clip 110, 120 side surfaces, the latch 130 rides off the T-bar 32 room-side face and springs back to its rest position, trapping the T-bar 32 between the clips 110, 120 and the latch 130. FIG. 8 shows a top view of the T-bar 32 depressing the latch 130 of an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 as it is being rotated during mounting.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 mounted to the T-bar 32. Opposite sides of the tile flange are captured in the first and second ceiling member receiving channels. The latch 130, positioned at an offset from the clip 120, prevents the AP 10 from rotating on the plane parallel to the T-bar 32 room-side surface. To minimize movement around the T-bar 32, the T-bar 32 tile flange should fit snugly between the clips 110, 120 and the latch 130 with as little spacing as possible.

Removal of the mounted AP 10 according to the present invention is as quick and simple as its installation. Because in the mounted position the AP 10's mounting surface face the suspended ceiling 30's room side surface, the ceiling tile 34 directly above the latch 130 must first be lifted aside to provide user access to the mounting components. Next, the latch 130 needs to be fully depressed so that the T-bar 32 may be rotated away from the clips 110, 120. Once the edges of the tile flange are separated from both of the clips 110, 120, the AP 10 may be pulled away without damaging any part of the suspending T-bar ceiling 30.

FIG. 10 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 mounted to the T-bar 32. Ceiling tiles 34 are shown resting on top of the clips 110, 120. When the AP 10 is mounted to the T-bar 32 according to the present invention, the ceiling tiles 34 on either side of that T-bar 32 are lifted upwards and brought to rest on the top flat surfaces of the clips 110, 120 rather than on the T-bar 32 tile flange. Although the spacing between the mounting components and the T-bar 32 edges is preferably at a minimum, some slack would almost always invariably exist. As a result, the AP 10 may rotate around T-bar 32 tile flange if its weight is not evenly distributed.

In order to prevent the AP 10 from rotating around the T-bar 32 tile flange, the stabilizing members 140 may be added. FIG. 11 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the AP 10 with additional stabilizing members 140. The stabilizing members 140 push against the ceiling tiles 34 on both sides of the AP 10, preventing the AP 10 from wobbling, tipping, or rotating in either direction normal to the T-bar 32 tile flange.

The present invention has been described with the reference to the above exemplary embodiments. One skilled in the art would understand that the present invention may also be successfully implemented if modified. Accordingly, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broadest spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings, accordingly, should be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. 

1. A ceiling mount for a device, comprising: a first channel member including a first side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a first horizontal surface extending away from the first side surface in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface for a second predetermined distance to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the first horizontal surface and the top surface; a second channel member including a second side surface extending upward a third predetermined distance from the top surface and a second horizontal surface extending away from the second side surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface and opposite the first direction for a fourth predetermined distance to define a second ceiling member receiving channel between the second horizontal surface and the top surface, the second channel member being separated from the first channel member along the top surface by a fifth predetermined distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions; and a ramp extending upward from the top surface at an angle and having an inclined surface separated from the second side surface by a distance greater than the fourth predetermined distance and separated from the first channel member by a sixth predetermined distance greater than the fifth predetermined distance.
 2. The ceiling mount according to claim 1, wherein the device includes one of a wireless access point, a wireless router and a wireless repeater.
 3. The ceiling mount according to claim 1, wherein the device includes at least one of a communications device, a smoke detector, a motion sensor and a security device.
 4. The ceiling mount according to claim 1, wherein the ceiling mount is attached to a T-bar suspending of a ceiling.
 5. The ceiling mount according to claim 4, wherein, when the ceiling mount is in the attached position, the T-bar is within the first and second receiving channels and the first channel member is situated on a side of the T-bar opposite the second channel member.
 6. The ceiling mount according to claim 4, wherein, during insertion of the T-bar, the ramp is deflected into a position where the angle is less than 10 degrees.
 7. The ceiling mount according to claim 6, wherein, after the insertion of the T-bar, the ramp return to a further position in which the angle is within a range between 10 and 90 degrees.
 8. The ceiling mount according to claim 4, further comprising: a first stabilizing member extending from the top surface and including a first stabilizing surface substantially parallel to the top surface; and a second stabilizing member extending from the top surface and including a second stabilizing surface substantially parallel to the top surface, wherein when the ceiling mount is in the attached position, the first stabilizing member is situated on an opposite side of the T-bar of the second stabilizing member.
 9. A ceiling mount for a device, comprising: a mounting plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, the bottom surface being attachable to a housing of the device; a first channel member including a first side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from the top surface and a first horizontal surface extending away from the first side surface in a first direction substantially parallel to the top surface for a second predetermined distance to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the first horizontal surface and the top surface; a second channel member including a second side surface extending upward a third predetermined distance from the top surface and a second horizontal surface extending away from the second side surface in a second direction substantially parallel to the top surface and opposite the first direction for a fourth predetermined distance to define a second ceiling member receiving channel between the second horizontal surface and the top surface, the second channel member being separated from the first channel member along the top surface by a fifth predetermined distance in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions; and a ramp extending upward from the top surface at an angle and having an inclined surface separated from the second side surface by a distance greater than the fourth predetermined distance and separated from the first channel member by a sixth predetermined distance greater than the fifth predetermined distance.
 10. The ceiling mount according to claim 9, wherein the bottom surface is attached to the housing using at least one of glue, a plurality of screws, a velcro, snap-on buttons and latches.
 11. The ceiling mount according to claim 9, wherein the device includes one of a wireless access point, a wireless router and a wireless repeater.
 12. The ceiling mount according to claim 9, wherein the device includes at least one of a communications device, a smoke detector, a motion sensor and a security device.
 13. The ceiling mount according to claim 9, wherein the ceiling mount is attached to a T-bar suspending of a ceiling.
 14. The ceiling mount according to claim 13, wherein, when the ceiling mount is in the attached position, the T-bar is within the first and second receiving channels and the first channel member is situated on a side of the T-bar opposite the second channel member.
 15. The ceiling mount according to claim 13, wherein, during insertion of the T-bar, the ramp is deflected into a position where the angle is less than 10 degrees.
 16. The ceiling mount according to claim 15, wherein, after the insertion of the T-bar, the ramp return to a further position in which the angle is within a range between 10 and 90 degrees.
 17. The ceiling mount according to claim 13, further comprising: a first stabilizing member extending from the top surface and including a first stabilizing surface substantially parallel to the top surface; and a second stabilizing member extending from the top surface and including a second stabilizing surface substantially parallel to the top surface, wherein when the ceiling mount is in the attached position, the first stabilizing member is situated on an opposite side of the T-bar of the second stabilizing member. 